Help Centre

Comstel Frequently Asked Questions.

Everything you need to know about Comstel's services, billing, switching and support — answered by real people. Can't find what you need? Call 1300 070 747 or use the form below.

About Comstel

What is Comstel ICT and what do you do?
Comstel ICT is an Australian-owned telecommunications and ICT company headquartered in North Sydney. We deliver business-grade communications and technology to Australian SMBs — including phone systems (VoIP, cloud PBX, Avaya, iPECS, 3CX, BizTel), NBN and internet, business mobile plans, cybersecurity, managed IT, printers, video conferencing, POS and surveillance, AI tools and solar/EV charging.
How long has Comstel been operating?
Comstel ICT was founded in 2015 — about a decade of Australian-owned, Sydney-based business telco and ICT delivery. ACN 634 262 892.
Where is Comstel located? Do you service my area?
Our headquarters is at Level 7, 161 Walker Street, North Sydney NSW 2060. We service businesses Australia-wide. Cloud phones, NBN, mobile and managed IT are delivered remotely — no in-person install required for most setups.
What size businesses does Comstel work with?
All sizes — from sole traders through to multi-location enterprises. Our solutions are fully scalable and tailored to your specific requirements.
What credentials and certifications does Comstel hold?
  • Avaya Partner
  • 3CX & iPECS Cloud Certified
  • Cisco Partner
  • BizTel Partner
  • Vodafone Business Centre
  • Bitdefender & Sophos Partner
  • Epson Authorised Reseller
  • iCode-compliant ISP
Do you offer free consultations before I commit?
Yes — always. We start with a no-obligation discovery call, assess your current setup and recommend the right solution. No pressure. Call 1300 070 747 or use the form on this page.

Our Services

What services does Comstel offer?
  • Phone Systems — VoIP, cloud PBX (3CX, Avaya, iPECS, BizTel, Cisco), SIP trunking, landlines
  • Business Mobile — Vodafone Business plans, voice-only and pooled data
  • Internet & NBN — Business NBN, Fixed Wireless, Fibre, Enterprise Ethernet
  • Cybersecurity — Bitdefender, Sophos, dark web monitoring
  • Managed IT — proactive monitoring, helpdesk, infrastructure
  • Printers & Copiers — Kyocera, Fujifilm, Lexmark, Epson
  • POS, Video Conferencing, Surveillance
  • Comstel TV Box & Bonnie AI
  • Solar / EV charging / Comstel Energy
Can Comstel handle everything — or do I need multiple providers?
We are a genuine one-stop provider. Many clients consolidate their phone system, internet, mobile, IT support, security and equipment under a single Comstel account — one bill, one contact, zero coordination headaches.
Do you offer finance options for equipment?
Yes — Comstel works with Australian equipment-finance partners so you can spread the cost of hardware and installation over time. See our Finance Options page or talk to sales for eligibility.
Do you sell to home users or only businesses?
Most of our work is with Australian businesses, but we also offer residential NBN and selected consumer products via our Shop and Comstel TV Box. If you're unsure, just ask — we'll point you to the right option.

Phones & VoIP

What's the difference between VoIP, SIP and a cloud phone system?
VoIP routes calls over the internet. SIP is the protocol used — it replaces traditional PSTN/ISDN lines. A cloud phone system (3CX, iPECS) hosts everything in the cloud so staff can work from anywhere via mobile app, laptop, or desk phone. Most SMBs benefit most from a cloud PBX with SIP lines.
Can my team work remotely with a Comstel phone system?
Absolutely. All our cloud systems include iOS and Android apps plus a web client. Your team can make and receive business calls from anywhere with internet access — same number, same caller ID, same recording.
Do I need to replace all my existing phones?
Not necessarily. We check hardware compatibility during the assessment. If replacements are needed, we supply pre-tested, pre-configured handsets ready to plug in from day one.
Can I keep my existing phone number?
Yes — we handle number porting for landline, 1300, 1800 and most mobile numbers. Your business number stays the same.
What happens if my internet goes down — can I still take calls?
Cloud phone systems can auto-forward to mobile numbers or another office during an internet outage. Combined with our business NBN failover options, your team keeps taking calls even if the primary connection drops.
Will switching to VoIP save my business money?
Usually yes — switching from legacy ISDN or PSTN lines to SIP trunking and cloud PBX typically removes line-rental costs and reduces call charges significantly. We provide a clear before/after comparison during the free consultation.

Internet & NBN

What internet plans does Comstel offer?
  • Business NBN — business-grade with priority support and SLAs
  • Fixed Wireless NBN — fast, reliable, free installation
  • High-Speed Fibre — premium speed tiers for demanding offices
  • Enterprise Ethernet Fibre — dedicated, symmetric, SLA-backed
  • Residential NBN — for home and home-office customers
What's the difference between business and residential NBN?
Business NBN includes priority technical support, faster fault response, business-grade Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and often static IP and bundled services. Residential NBN is best-effort and prioritised lower during outages.
Can I switch to Comstel if I already have internet?
Yes — we manage the entire transfer and coordinate with your current provider. In most cases no downtime occurs. If NBN infrastructure is already in place, you may qualify for better speed or value through Comstel.
How fast does business NBN need to be?
For most small offices, NBN50 (50/20 Mbps) or NBN100 (100/40 Mbps) is plenty for cloud apps, VoIP and EFTPOS. Offices doing heavy video conferencing or large file uploads benefit from NBN250 / 1000 or Enterprise Ethernet.
What happens when my data resets?
Data resets automatically on the 1st of each month. On unlimited plans there is no cap. Unused data from capped plans does not roll over.
Can I get a static IP address?
Yes — static IPs are available on most business plans and are essential for hosting services, VPN access, remote desktop and CCTV / surveillance. Ask us during your quote.

Business Mobile

What mobile plans does Comstel offer?
  • 4G/5G Voice SIM-Only plans — for everyday phones
  • 4G/5G Pooled plans — share data across the team, control costs
  • Mobile Broadband Data-Only plans — for tablets, hotspots, IoT devices
Plans are powered by Vodafone Business and tailored to your team size.
Can I pool data across my team?
Yes — pooled plans let unused data from one user be used by another, capping bill shock when one staff member goes over. Ideal for teams of 5+ where usage varies.
Can I bring my existing mobile numbers across?
Yes — number porting works for mobile numbers too. The original carrier may take a few business days to release the number; we coordinate the switch so there's minimal disruption.
Does the mobile plan include international roaming?
Roaming is available — international add-ons are activated per traveller, by day or by country. Comstel can pre-enable roaming on selected lines before staff travel.

Cybersecurity & IT

What cybersecurity services does Comstel offer?
  • Bitdefender & Sophos — managed endpoint protection, EDR, MDR
  • Dark Web Monitoring — alerts if your credentials appear on the dark web
  • Managed Firewalls & threat detection
  • Managed IT — proactive monitoring, patching, helpdesk
  • Compliance support for Australian frameworks
What's the difference between antivirus and EDR?
Antivirus detects known threats using signature databases — fine for the basics. EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) uses behavioural analysis and AI to catch attacks that antivirus misses — including ransomware, zero-day exploits and fileless malware. EDR also gives you the forensic detail to respond.
What is dark web monitoring and do I need it?
Dark web monitoring scans hidden marketplaces for your business email addresses, passwords and credentials. If they appear following a breach, you're alerted immediately. Recommended for any business handling client data, financial information or sensitive communications.
What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and should I use it?
MFA adds a second login step beyond a password — usually a code from a phone app. It's one of the single most effective cybersecurity controls and is now mandatory or strongly recommended for most Australian compliance frameworks. We help configure MFA across Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and other key business apps.
What should I do if I think my business has been hacked?
Don't power off — disconnect from the network if you can (unplug ethernet, turn off Wi-Fi). Then call 1300 700 600 immediately. Time matters. We can isolate the affected systems, preserve evidence, contact your insurer and start recovery.
What is Bonnie AI?
Bonnie is an AI-powered telephone and WhatsApp assistant. Comstel integrates Bonnie to answer routine calls automatically, respond to WhatsApp enquiries 24/7, and free your team for higher-value work. Ideal for businesses with high volumes of repetitive enquiries.
Can ransomware happen to small business?
Yes — Australian small businesses are now the most targeted segment for ransomware because they often have weaker defences than large enterprises. The fix is a layered approach: EDR, MFA, regular patching, backups (and tested restores), email filtering and dark-web monitoring.

Switching to Comstel

How do I switch my existing services to Comstel?
  • Step 1 — Free assessment of your current setup
  • Step 2 — Clear proposal with no surprises
  • Step 3 — Coordinate the transfer, including number porting
  • Step 4 — Side-by-side deployment, zero disruption
  • Step 5 — Handover, training and ongoing support
What if I'm still in a contract with my current provider?
We review your contract and show you an honest comparison — in many cases savings outweigh early termination fees. We'll never pressure you to switch before you're ready.
How long does the switchover take?
Most cloud phone-system switches complete in 1–3 weeks including number porting. Internet switches are usually 5–10 business days. We schedule cutovers around your business hours, not ours.
Can you migrate just one service first, then the rest later?
Absolutely. Many clients start with phones or internet, see how the relationship goes, then consolidate everything else over time. No all-or-nothing commitment.

Billing & Accounts

When will I receive my bill?
Bills are sent via email in the first week of every month with 14-day payment terms. Contact service@comstel.com.au for billing queries.
Why does my first bill look higher than expected?
Your first invoice includes pro-rated line rental — charged from activation date plus one month in advance. From your second bill, charges reflect your normal monthly amount.
How do I access my account online?
Visit comstel.com.au → My Account. Your login is your account number. The portal gives 24/7 access to account details, services and usage data.
What payment methods do you accept?
Direct bank transfer (EFT) and credit card. Finance options are also available for equipment purchases — see our Finance Options page.
Can I get one consolidated invoice for everything?
Yes — that's the whole point. Phones, internet, mobile, IT support, security and equipment all roll up onto one Comstel invoice. One renewal cycle, one contact for billing questions.

Support

How do I get technical support?
You'll always speak to someone who knows your account — never an offshore call centre.
What's Comstel System Cover?
Our maintenance plan providing priority technical support with guaranteed response times, no hidden parts or labour costs, and access to our national service network. Tiers are available to suit different needs and budgets.
Do you offer after-hours or emergency support?
Standard support is during business hours (Mon–Fri 9:00am–5:30pm AEST). After-hours and 24/7 coverage is available through a premium System Cover agreement. Talk to us if uptime is critical for your business.
What if my system is completely down?
Call 1300 700 600 immediately and tell the team it's a critical outage. Critical incidents are prioritised over routine tickets and tracked against our SLA response times.
Can I get training for my team?
Yes — we provide handover training when new systems go live (phone systems, M365, security tools, etc.) and additional training sessions on request. Most are remote via Teams or Zoom; on-site is available in Sydney metro.

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